Overview
A specially designed and organized sightseeing tour is the perfect way to get to know the historical capital of Rhodes and its worldwide famous butterfly valley.
Highlights of the Half Day Tour in Rhodes
- 08:00-13:00 or 13:30-18:30 HRS morning or afternoon, tour of Rhodes city & Filerimos
- Visit to Rhodes city’ modern and classical sites with expert guides
- Licensed by the sate English-speaking tour drivers and guides
- Pickup and drop off from your cruise terminal
Description
Description of the Rhodes half-day tour
The shore excursion includes licensed Guides and deluxe motor coaches or private 
air-conditioned sedan or minivan and commences with a visit to the Archaeological site of Kamiros, which was one of the three powerful cities of Rhodes and has been inhabited, according to the findings of archaeological research, since prehistoric times.
It reached the height of its prosperity at the same time as the other two Doric cities, Lindos and Ialyssos. Like them, Kamiros began to decline after 408 BC. This site continued to be inhabited up to the early Christian era. It is a necropolis which was abandoned for unknown reasons, since research shows that it did not suffer an enemy attach nor any other form of devastation. During its period of prosperity, Kamiros minted its own coins.
On the surrounding hills, ancient burial grounds have been found. In one of the graves was unearthed the famous stele of Crito and Timarista, which is one of the most important exhibits of the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.
The city of Kamiros was built amphitheatrically, on a hill. On its highest point stood the acropolis, which was unfortified, as was the city itself. Within the precinct of the acropolis stood the temple of Athena Polias (3rd or 2nd century). The remains of the foundations are still visible today. There was also a large cistern of the 6th or 5th century, and a stoa (portico) of the end of the 3rd century, measuring 200 meters in length and lined with two rows of Doric columns.
Our shore excursion continues to the Monte Smith Hill which offers a magnificent view of the Aegean and the City. Our drive continues past the ancient Rhodes Acropolis dedicated to Zeus Polieus, Athena Polias and Pythian Apollo. Four columns of this Acropolis have been reconstructed.
Drive next past the 2nd century ancient Stadium and Theatre, of which both have been restored. From there the excursion continues to the D’ Amboise Gate where the guests disembark and on foot enter the Medieval City to visit the Grand Master’s Palace, the most imposing building of medieval Rhodes. It was originally built in the 14th Century, but demolished by an explosion in 1856. It was restored in 1939, during the Italian occupation.
Continue down ‘The Street of the Knights,’ which, in spite of the restoration of its buildings, has remained untouched by the passage of 500 years, since it was originally built in the 14th century. The Gothic order predominate the entire street. The Inns of the various ‘Tongues’ stand in a row, with impressive arched doorways, their emblems carved above them.
Details
Important notes
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion - Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Car and Driver
- A professional English-speaking driver or escort with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have a licensed state tour guide to escort you inside the sites and museums, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Pick-up from and return to your hotel
- Pick-up from the Port of Piraeus
- Private tour, Road tolls and local taxes
- Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.
Excluded from the tour
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
- Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (olive oil tasting tours)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the difference between a STATE LICENSED TOUR GUIDE and a TOUR DRIVER GUIDE in Greece!
Additional info
- Dress: religious and marmoreal sites: shoulders and knee must be covered
- Terms & Conditions and Frequent Questions
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
- This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of the tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Restrictions:
- Please note that on this tour, your tour driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb. If you want this service you may book a licensed by-state tour guide for an extra cost.
- In case a group is followed by a licensed tour guide or an English speaking tour-escort the professional driver is not obliged to speak English!
Opening hours & Admission fees
- Opening Hours:Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
- Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
- Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
- Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.
Free admission days
- March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
- June 5: Environment international day
- April 18 : International monuments day
- May 18: International museums day
- September 27: International tourism day
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
- National Holidays
- Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
- The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August, and September
- NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day
Holidays in Greece
- January 1: closed
- January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
- March 25: closed
- Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Easter Sunday: closed
- Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- May 1: closed
- Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
- December 25 & 26: closed
